Cricket: England turn test around

Marcus Trescothick says England will look to drive home their advantage after turning the match around on the third day of the second test against South Africa on Tuesday.

England were 281 for one, a lead of 88, in their second innings when bad light ended play 11 overs early. Andrew Strauss was 132 not out with Mark Butcher on one.

Trescothick scored 132 and shared in a 273-run stand with Strauss, the fifth-biggest opening partnership in England history.

"Today has been fantastic but there are still two huge days left," the left-hander told a news conference.

"The first session tomorrow will be particularly important and we can't relax yet."

Trescothick said he and Strauss had taken advantage of several favourable factors to drag England back into the match after they had been bowled out for 139 in the first innings and South Africa reached 332.

"The wicket was pretty flat and we were both in good form and we made good use of it," he said. "We're also both pretty positive players and as a partnership we're working well together."

Trescothick was full of praise for his opening partner, with whom he has now shared four stands over 150.

"He makes it look pretty easy, nothing seems to faze him," he said. "He's relaxed and making the most of his opportunity, he's full of confidence and that's also good for me."

Trescothick and Strauss resumed on 30 without loss and they were finally separated in the fifth over before the enforced close when Trescothick edged fast bowler Shaun Pollock behind.

South African coach Ray Jennings also hailed Strauss, who scored his fourth century in his ninth test.

"His youth adds value to his performance," Jennings said.

"When you get older you get tired of visiting the same countries and you start thinking too much."

Jennings criticised his bowling attack but said South Africa still had a chance in the match.

"The perception that the wicket was flat played a part (in the way South Africa bowled)," Jennings said.

"It's a case of putting in the effort and getting out what you put in, there really is no flat wicket. (Left-arm spinner) Nicky Boje could have exploited the conditions better.

"A lot of the England players can be dismissed in the first 20 or 30 balls they face, hopefully we'll have them all out in 180 balls tomorrow."

Jennings expects South Africa to be set a target of around 300 and backed first innings centurion Jacques Kallis to shine again.

"I'm confident, the way Kallis has played, that he could chase the target by himself," he said.

- REUTERS